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The first game of the 2014 season, and the first game of the Ricky Renteria era as manager. How does that first lineup look against lefty Francisco Liriano? Pretty fair, though you’re likely to point out the inclusion of lefty Nate Schierholtz. I’m going to assume that’s because Justin Ruggiano’s ankle is still bothering him. It’s a bummer, since the Cubs start against a lefty, but he’ll presumably get today and tomorrow off before returning on Wednesday or Thursday (when the Cubs face another lefty in Wandy Rodriguez).

You’ll also notice that, with Emilio Bonifacio in the outfield (probably going to be a regular thing against lefties), he plays center field and Junior Lake slides to left. I guess, even as a utility guy, Bonifacio is better in center than Lake when the games really count. A mark against Lake, or a compliment to Bonifacio’s extreme defensive versatility?

There’s a lot of speed at the top of the lineup, and Starlin Castro ends up slotting in the three-hole, with Anthony Rizzo behind him. It’s not a bad group against Liriano, but it’s really not overstating it to say that Ruggiano may have been the biggest threat in the lineup against Liriano (career .256/.328/.506 against lefties). The good news is that, based on the way Ruggiano described his ankle issue, he could theoretically be available to pinch hit (I’m just guessing, mind you).

Oh, and a head’s up that you’ll notice in Pre-Gamin’ posts this year, as well as Series Previews: the W/L stat for pitchers no longer exists to me. It’s stupid, misleading, and a terrible reflection of performance and ability. I’ll breath no further life into it, thankyouverymuch.

Jesus, I really hate sac bunts. i’d rather they just swing away. Hit it where they aint.

Jon

Just one of 95+ losses. Buckle up, it’s going to be a rough year

another JP

CarVille puts it on a tee vs. a lefty. Perfect.

Medicos

Loss #1—-the first many more. It’s true bunting, hit-run, sac flies, moving runners along truly makes no sense, but if you have hitters on the Cubs who aren’t decent hitters then something else needs to used to possibly win games.

Blackhawks1963

Seriously, you need to run the Bible according to Theo and Beane. They don’t believe in bunting, etc. I happen to agree with most of their theories.

Jon

“The Bible according to Theo”
What an awesome, potential alternative title to this Blog site

Funn Dave

Bummer.

itzscott

You just KNEW that was going to happen eventually.

Funn Dave

‘Fraid so.

Beast Mode

Where is wright in that situation

Kyle

127-198 from the smartest player development organization in baseball. Just ask them.

another JP

Better asking them than you. When the Cubs do finally start winning, what’s your bitch going to be then, Mr. Mouth?

Kyle

Why did it take you so long to start winning, probably.

another JP

Figures. Just the kind of guy you are.

Kyle

I like it when my favorite sports teams win on a regular basis and don’t need a bunch of terrible years just to get to the first winning one.

Why? Villanueva’s not a good pitcher. Never has been. End of story. Not to mention he’s got zero upside. And he didnt exactly earn the job in spring training, with a 5.60 ERA. Rusin shouldve gotten the 5th starter spot until Arrieta returns.

Blackhawks1963

Samardzija was solid. Strop and Russell were solid. But the offense struggled to score runs, and struggled against a left-handed starter…which should be of NO SURPRISE.

The future is very bright, but 2014 is going to be ugly. It just is.

https://www.facebook.com/AnotherSpaceSong Bret Epic

Open the gates and let the butt hurt flow.

KHRSS

Go Cubs Go! 0-10 or 11 w/RISP.

Karl Groucho

Bleh, I was so excited for an opening day win. We’ll get ’em Wednesday!

Spoda17

There were more positives than negatives today. Don’t forget, the Pirates have very good pitching. Yes the Cubs missed some opportunities offensively, but still not a total loss.

Satch

Reality has set in for a long summer’s nap…on the plus side – I like the uniforms.

Beautiful BN Apparel

BN on Video

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